H.—43

18

(b.) To ascertain so far as possible the number and class of men employed in partially essential or non-essential industries, and not liable for military service, who may be available (if required) for transfer to any essential industry or occupation. (7.) To inquire as to the best methods to be adopted for the employment in essential industries or occupations, or otherwise, of persons of military age who arc unfit for military service. (8.) To inquire as to (he advisability and best methods of organizing the labour available for essential or other industries or occupations in New Zealand or in any pari thereof, with a view to securing the highest efficiency with economy. (9.) To inquire as to (he use or as to the advisability of using any class of machinery, tools, or appliances in any particular industry or industries, with a view to efficient and economic production. (10.) To inquire as to any restriction, either organized or otherwise, that may be alleged to exist to the detriment of the public welfare, in any trade, service, industry, or occupation. (11.) With respect to industries where the raw materials used therein are wholly or in substantial part produced in New Zealand, to inquire as to the best methods to be adopted for the production and preparation of such raw materials; and with respect to any raw materials not indigenous to New Zealand, to inquire as to the best methods for the treatment of such materials in New Zealand. (12.) To inquire generally as to any matters relating to or for promoting efficiency of production. (13.) To inquire as to the statistics of New Zealand and other countries with respect to the condition of employment (including hours of labour and rates of wages), and with respect to the output and production in connection with any industry or industries. (14.) To inquire as to the desirability of limiting or prohibiting the exportation of any materials. (15.) To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or prohibiting the manufacture, import, transport, sale, or use of any article that is not essential to the public welfare. (16.) To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or stopping the execution of public works, whether under the control of the Government or of any local authority. (17.) To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or stopping any form of public transit not. essential to the public welfare. (18.) To inquire as to the desirability of restricting or stopping any form of amusement not essential to the public welfare. (19.) To inquire as to any rules or regulations made by any employers or association of employers, or any workers or association of workers, with a view to ascertaining whether such rules or regulations, in so far as they affect any trade, industry, or occupation, place any restriction detrimental to the public welfare upon efficient and economical production. (20.) To inquire as to the necessity or advisability and the best methods of carrying on or disposing of the farms or other businesses of men engaged in military service. (21.) To inquire as to the advisability of adopting improved methods for the instruction and technical training of workers with a view to securing more efficient service, and generally as to the necessity for further technical education and for scientific research with respect to the maintenance, development, or establishment of industries. (22.) To inquire as to the advisability of establishing new industries in New Zealand, or of developing existing industries, whether during or after the war. (23.) To inquire as to the best methods of insuring the employment in suitable capacities of returned soldiers. (24.) To inquire as to the necessity or otherwise of modifying or suspending any of the provisions of any award of the Court of Arbitration, or of any industrial agreement, or of any rules of a trade-union or other association, so as to permit of returned soldiers who may be partially disabled being suitably employed and remunerated. (25.) To inquire as to what measures may be necessary or advisable with a view to promote thrift and to discourage luxury. (26.) Generally, and without restricting any of tho special powers conferred by the foregoing provisions, to inquire as to the advisability of the exercise of any powers conferred on the Governor or the Governor in Council, or on any Minister of the Crown, by the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act, 1914, and its amendments, or by the War Regulations Act, 1914, and its amendments, or by any other Act passed or that may be hereafter passed having reference to the war or to conditions created thereby. (27.) In pursuance of any such inquiry from time to time to report to and advise the Government, as to any of the matters aforesaid or in any way related thereto. And I hereby declare and direct, with the advice and consent of the said Executive Council, that every member of the said Board shall possess and may exercise either separately or jointly with any one or more of the others of them all the powers and authorities conferred upon a Com-